1. Chicago Cubs
Farm System Ranking in 2014: 2
2015 Top Ten Prospects: Link
Top Prospect: Addison Russell (2)
Prospects on the BP 101: 7
State of the System: Despite graduating infielders
Arismendy Alcantara and
Javier Baez, and mildly uninspiring years from former Top 10 prospects like
C.J. Edwards and
Christian Villanueva, the Cubs are the proud owner of the game’s top system. With the 2014 arrival of shortstop Addison Russell via trade, the explosive emergence of third baseman
Kris Bryant, and the selection of a hit-first prospect like
Kyle Schwarber, the Cubs remain absolutely loaded with impact talent. The arrival and emergence of those players doesn’t even begin to touch on the continued presence of outfielders
Jorge Soler and
Albert Almora, as well as quality depth of high ceiling players like
Gleyber Torres,
Eloy Jimenez,
Carson Sands, and
Mark Zagunis. The Cubs’ system is loaded to the gills with talent that could help their roster continue to improve internally, or via trade.
Must-See Affiliate: Triple-A Iowa
Prospects to See There: Kris Bryant, Addison Russell,
Pierce Johnson
2. Minnesota Twins
Farm System Ranking in 2014: 1
2015 Top Ten Prospects: Link
Top Prospect: Byron Buxton (1)
Prospects on the BP 101: 8
State of the System: After resting atop these rankings in 2014, the Twins managed to retain their lofty title despite injury-marred seasons from two of the game’s elite prospects, Byron Buxton and
Miguel Sano. Even with their arrivals delayed due to injury, both prospects headline an impressive crop of talent that was augmented by top picks
Nick Gordon and
Nick Burdi; both of whom offer impact potential. When combined with the continued progress of
Alex Meyer,
Kohl Stewart,
Jose Berrios, and
Lewis Thorpe, and depth provided by the likes of
Eddie Rosario and
Trevor May, the Twins boast an enviable collection of talent with the potential to push them back up the Central Division standings in the years to come.
Must-See Affiliate: Double-A Chattanooga
Prospects to See There: Jose Berrios, Nick Burdi, Byron Buxton, Miguel Sano
3. Los Angeles Dodgers
Farm System Ranking in 2014: 14
2015 Top Ten Prospects: Link
Top Prospect: Corey Seager (7)
Prospects on the BP 101: 4
State of the System: Bolstered by the continued rapid ascent of outfielder
Joc Pederson, left-hander
Julio Urias, and shortstop Corey Seager, the Dodgers offer a nearly unparalleled crop of talent with plus-plus ceilings. With a strong 2014 draft bringing arms like
Grant Holmes and AJ Vanegas, and a quality high school bat with
Alex Verdugo, the Dodgers built on their depth previously anchored by mid-rotation arms such as
Zach Lee,
Chris Anderson, and
Chris Reed. With such high-end impact talent at the top of the organization’s Top 10 and impressive depth throughout, the Dodgers should be able to augment their talent–laden roster through minor-league call-ups or trades without completely depleting the farm system.
Must-See Affiliate: Double-A Tulsa
Prospects to See There: Chris Anderson, Corey Seager, Julio Urias
4. Texas Rangers
Farm System Ranking in 2014: 9
2015 Top Ten Prospects: Link
Top Prospect: Joey Gallo (15)
Prospects on the BP 101: 6
State of the System: Your love for the Rangers system directly depends on how you feel about high-risk/high-reward prospects. If you’re a ceiling junkie, you’ll get your high off of players like
Nick Williams,
Jorge Alfaro, and
Lewis Brinson. But if it’s high floor you crave, they have that too in
Chi Chi Gonzalez. Top prospect Joey Gallo has both—he’s going to hit for massive power even if it only plays to 75 percent in major-league game power because of his off-the-charts raw ability, and if everything clicks right, he’s got the potential to be the best power hitter in the game. There’s a lot of talent throughout the system in a lot of different forms, but there is also a good deal of development to be done along the way.
Must-See Affiliate: Double-A Frisco
Prospects to See There: Most of the top hitting talent – Joey Gallo, Jorge Alfaro,
Nomar Mazara, Nick Williams
5. New York Mets
Farm System Ranking in 2014: 8
2015 Top Ten Prospects: Link
Top Prospect: Noah Syndergaard (9)
Prospects on the BP 101: 6
State of the System: Not the best, but likely the most balanced farm system in all of baseball, the Mets have everything you could want from a group of minor-league players—a potential ace (Noah Syndergaard), a major-league ready, everyday player (
Dilson Herrera), an up-the-middle regular (
Kevin Plawecki), a next wave of prospects coming behind them (
Brandon Nimmo and
Steven Matz), potential bats with a few years to go (
Dominic Smith and
Michael Conforto), and young, unproven, high-ceiling talent (
Amed Rosario and
Jhoan Urena). Not all of these players are going to work out, but the Mets, as an organizational whole, have enough safety nets to continue to refill their major-league roster for the next few years.
Must-See Affiliate: Triple-A Las Vegas
Prospects to See There: Noah Syndergaard, Dilson Herrera, Kevin Plawecki,
Rafael Montero
